SENATE MEMORIAL 10

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN AND THE SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS THAT ADDRESS THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES THAT FACE GRANDPARENTS; DECLARING JANUARY 28, 2014 "GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, grandparents hold an essential role in maintaining strong familial, cultural and community connections; and

     WHEREAS, grandparents provide wisdom, insight and guidance to their grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS, grandparents instill in their grandchildren a sense of place and identity; and

     WHEREAS, the love of grandparents for their grandchildren is unconditional; and

     WHEREAS, grandparents in New Mexico are increasingly undertaking the challenges and joys of raising their grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS, grandparents who are stepping up to care for and embrace their "children's children", giving up retirement and their "golden years" to once again raise children, are deserving of recognition and appreciation; and

     WHEREAS, Las Cumbres community services, inc., is an organization that provides ongoing services for grandparents through an active support group and through statewide conferences to address the issues and struggles being faced by grandparents raising grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS, support organizations such as Las Cumbres community services, inc., should be commended for their important work because the task of raising grandchildren is not without its challenges; and

     WHEREAS, many grandparents raising grandchildren live on small, fixed retirement incomes; and

     WHEREAS, grandparents raising grandchildren are often confronted with financial hardship and legal obstacles; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico communities continue to struggle with drug addiction, domestic violence, unemployment, poverty, teen births and other challenging social issues that often require grandparents to undertake a primary parenting role; and

     WHEREAS, the challenges facing grandparents raising grandchildren may be exacerbated when caring for children who have experienced trauma or who are grieving the absence of a parent; and

     WHEREAS, despite these tremendous challenges, grandparents raising grandchildren are resilient; and

     WHEREAS, children who are raised by their grandparents remain in a familial household where they receive the love and support necessary to reach their full potential; and

     WHEREAS, in the eyes of a child, a grandparent is truly a hero;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that grandparents raising grandchildren be recognized and honored for their tremendous contributions to their communities and their commitment to raising future generations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that organizations that support grandparents raising grandchildren be commended for their important work; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that January 28, 2014 be declared "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Las Cumbres community services, inc.

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